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New Energy Efficiency Standards for Electric Motors and Walk-in Coolers and Freezers to Save on Energy Bills and Reduce Carbon Pollution

May 12, 2014

As part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan, which called for efficiency standards that cut carbon pollution and save money by saving energy, the Energy Department announced two new energy efficiency standards for electric motors and walk-in coolers and freezers. These standards combined will help reduce harmful carbon pollution by up to 158 million metric tons - equivalent to the annual electricity use of more than 21 million homes - and save businesses $26 billion on utility bills through 2030.

'Energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to save money, cut greenhouse gas pollution and help businesses strengthen their bottom lines,' said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. 'By working with industry and efficiency groups, the Energy Department continues to make strong progress in developing appliance standards that save communities and businesses billions of dollars while strengthening U.S. energy security.'

The Administration is committed to building on this momentum by establishing new efficiency standards that - when combined with the progress already underway - will reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion metric tons by 2030, equivalent to more than a year's carbon pollution from the entire U.S. electricity system.

Electric motors are used extensively in a variety of applications, such as industrial machines, conveyor belts and escalators. Last year, approximately 5 million electric motors were shipped in the United States. A standard 30 horsepower electric motor consumes approximately 62,000 kilowatt-hours per year. The new standard will save consumers up to nearly $16 billion and prevent 96 million metric tons of CO2 through 2030.

In addition, the Energy Department issued a final efficiency standard for walk-in coolers and freezers, such as the milk display at the supermarket. This standard will help cut energy bills by about $10 billion and result in CO2 emissions reductions of 62 million metric tons through 2030.

The efficiency standards established will update the 2010 standards for electric motors and the 2009 standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. These standards incorporate feedback from industry, consumer and environmental advocacy groups and other stakeholders and will go into effect three years after publication in the Federal Register for walk-in coolers and freezers and two years after publication in the Federal Register for electric motors.